Corpus Christi

Sister Cities

OUR SISTER CITIES
Yokosuka, Japan
Agen, France
Veracruz, Mexico
Toledo, Spain
Keelung City, Taiwan

Our community plays a vital role in sustaining these relationships. Sister Cities programs create opportunities for students, families, businesses, and leaders of all ages to experience global culture and collaboration.

Learn More About Joining
World Map
The Sister Cities Movement

A Global Friendship Built by Students,
Neighbors & Communities

The Corpus Christi Sister City Program brings people together across borders. It’s a movement powered by curiosity, connection, and culture. When we exchange ideas and experiences, our community grows stronger and more globally connected.

What Is a Sister City?

Friendship, Culture & Opportunity

A Sister City is a long-term partnership between Corpus Christi and a city abroad. These relationships help students, families, educators, and local leaders learn from each other and build shared opportunities.

Guided by Sister Cities International, our work focuses on four pillars:

🎨
Arts & Culture
Festivals, performances, student art, and cultural exchange events.
🌍
Business & Trade
Delegations, port and industry partnerships, and economic connections.
🏘️
Community Development
Sharing solutions, quality-of-life projects, and neighborhood partnerships.
🎓
Youth & Education
Classroom connections, exchanges, youth leadership, and global learning.
Our Vision

Corpus Christi is globally connected, culturally vibrant, and strengthened through meaningful international partnerships.

Our Mission

To build friendship, cultural understanding, and opportunity through international exchange and community partnerships.

Program Highlights

Sister Cities programs create real opportunities for our community to engage globally. Here are a few initiatives that shape our partnerships:

  • Student cultural & academic exchanges
  • International delegation visits
  • Global leadership and youth programs
  • Art, music, and cultural collaboration
  • Port, trade, and economic partnerships
Student Exchange Photo

High School Student Exchange Program

A short-term exchange that connects Corpus Christi students with our Sister Cities through homestays, cultural activities, and shared classroom experiences.

Duration
2 weeks abroad + 2 weeks hosting in Corpus Christi
Who
Corpus Christi high school Sophomores & Juniors
Focus
Culture, language, leadership & global citizenship
Who Can Apply
  • Current 10th or 11th grade student
  • Lives within Corpus Christi city limits
  • Available for all travel dates, interviews & orientations
  • Willing to host a visiting student for two weeks
  • Recommended by a school counselor or administrator
  • Excited to represent Corpus Christi as a student ambassador
What You’ll Do
  • Live with a host family abroad for two weeks
  • Attend school or cultural activities with your host student
  • Explore Sister Cities through tours, museums, and events
  • Welcome your exchange partner to Corpus Christi
  • Share your experience with classmates and your community
  • Build lasting friendships and global confidence
Program Timeline (Example Year)
Applications Open
January — Students & families review details and submit interest forms.
Interviews & Selection
March 22nd — Students are interviewed & selected with counselor input.
Orientation
April 25th — Students & parents attend orientation and preparation meetings.
Travel & Hosting
Summer — Two weeks abroad + two weeks hosting in Corpus Christi.
Cost & Support

Families are responsible for airfare & spending money. Partial scholarships may be available. Host families provide room, meals, and a welcoming home. Staff support students throughout the entire exchange process.

Sister Cities International Youth & Education Programs

Through our Sister Cities network and Sister Cities International, students have multiple ways to get involved, from short-term exchanges to leadership summits and homestay programs.

Youth Leadership Summit (YLS)

An annual summit for ages 14–18 held alongside the Sister Cities International conference, where students dive into international affairs, complete simulations, and work on service projects with peers from around the world.

Learn about the Youth Leadership Summit →

J-1 High School Homestay

A semester- or year-long homestay program where high school students from Sister Cities live with host families in the U.S., attend local schools, and experience everyday life in an American community.

Explore the J-1 Homestay Program →

Arts & Culture

From community cultural events to global student showcases, our Arts & Culture pillar celebrates creativity and connection across Corpus Christi and our Sister Cities.

Community Cultural Event

Community Cultural Events

Throughout the year, we host and support events that bring our Sister Cities to life here in Corpus Christi. Festivals, performances, food experiences, and cultural showcases that highlight the traditions of Yokosuka, Agen, Veracruz, Toledo, and Keelung City.

These gatherings help our community experience global culture firsthand while building relationships with visiting delegations, students, artists, and local partners.

Explore Cultural Events →

Young Artists & Authors Showcase (YAAS)

Each year, students from Sister Cities around the world submit visual art, photography, poetry, short stories, and music based on a shared global theme. Selected works are featured in an international virtual exhibit and may receive scholarship awards.

Through our Sister City relationships, Corpus Christi students can share their voices, perspectives, and creativity on a global stage connecting local stories to worldwide conversations.

Hosted in partnership with Sister Cities International. Theme, categories, and submission details are updated each year.

View / Enter the Showcase →

Business & Trade

Building global connections that strengthen Corpus Christi’s port, economy, and industries. This pillar advances partnerships with our Sister Cities to spark ideas, innovation, and economic growth. Programs are actively being developed, and we’re laying the groundwork for long-term international collaboration.

🌍

International Delegations

Connecting port leaders, industries, and city representatives with global partners to share solutions, foster innovation, and explore opportunities.

Trade & Innovation

Future conversations on logistics, energy, shipping, startups, and cross-border collaboration that highlights Corpus Christi’s global impact.

🌴

Tourism Partnerships

Cross-promotion with Sister Cities to highlight coastal culture, travel experiences, and shared heritage.

More Business & Trade Initiatives Coming Soon
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